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The Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved commercial flights between Hanscom Field and LaGuardia Airport in New York, opening the door for Shuttle America to increase commuter service. This move comes as Massport is working with regional airports across New England to build an efficient air travel system that reduces the burden on Logan Airport and its neighbors. On April 8, Massport Executive Director and CEO Virginia Buckingham sent a letter to DOT Secretary Rodney Slater urging him to "support the Shuttle America/LaGuardia application. It would be a positive indication of DOT's support for Massport's efforts to develop a regional aviation solution."

Under Buckingham, Massport has engaged in an all out effort to regionalize air traffic throughout New England. Since taking over Worcester Airport in January, Massport has announced new service to Atlanta and New York by Delta Air Lines and America Airlines. Buckingham and Massport officials continue to meet with airlines to discuss potential additional service from Worcester. In addition, Massport is working with the aviation directors of TF Green Airport, Manchester Airport, and Bradley Airport to develop a comprehensive transportation strategy for region that includes a unified marketing effort.

"Regionalization is giving passengers more choices -- choices that are closer to their homes and businesses," said Buckingham. "For too many years, Logan Airport and its neighbors have handled the traffic, congestion, and hassle of New England's air travel needs. By providing passengers with options, we are creating a system that spreads the burdens and the benefits of commercial air service equitably."

The next step for Shuttle America is to gain approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Using Hanscom as a corporate and general aviation reliever and Worcester as a regional commercial airport are key components to Massport's transportation strategy for New England and are aimed at easing the reliance on Logan and utilizing intermodal assets throughout the region.